Foundation for Youth and Economic Development

Investing in Our Youth is Investing in Their Future!

Every young person deserves the chance to make things right, learn from their mistakes, and grow into their full potential.

That’s why the Foundation for Youth and Economic Development (FYED) proudly serves as the philanthropic partner to the Miami-Dade Economic Advocacy Trust (MDEAT) raising funds that keep the Teen Court and the Youth Services Division strong, sustainable, and growing.

Through this vital partnership, FYED mobilizes community giving to ensure that second chances lead to bright futures for thousands of youth across Miami-Dade County.

A Proven Model for Youth Success:

The Teen Court Program is a sanctioned initiative of the Eleventh Judicial Circuit Court’s Juvenile Diversion Program, affiliated with both the National Association of Youth Courts (NAYC) and the Florida Association of Teen Courts (FATC). Operating in 49 of Florida’s 69 counties, Miami-Dade’s Teen Court has become a model of success, achieving a 4% recidivism rate, one of the lowest in the state.

First-time youth offenders appear before their peers, not to be punished, but to be guided, heard, and restored. Supported by six Eleventh Judicial Circuit Judges and more than 50 volunteer attorneys, Teen Court transforms accountability into opportunity.

Three Life-Changing Programs:

During the 2024 fiscal year, the Teen Court and the Youth Services Division served more than 4,000 young people through three core areas that connect accountability with opportunity:

Teen Court
 A peer-driven alternative to prosecution for first-time youth offenders, providing lessons in responsibility and real-world courtroom experience.

Student Court
 Bringing the Teen Court model into 10 Miami-Dade County Public Schools, successfully resolving over 600 disciplinary cases in 2024. Keeping students in school and on track.

Youth Services
Teen and School Court youth participate in these initiatives, as well as other Miami-Dade County Public School students, which bridges civic responsibility with career exploration through experiences like:

• Career Immersion Experience – A partnership with Mayor Daniella Levine Cava’s Office that opens doors to careers within Miami-Dade County Departments, from the Aviation Department to Seaport Operations.
• Humanity in Healthcare Youth Summit – Hands-on learning with medical professionals through hospital tours and health sector exploration.
• Youth Power Summit – Exposure to careers in law, healthcare, technology, AI, and skilled trades.
• Career Readiness and Life Skills Workshops – Training in financial literacy, job readiness, ethics, and homeownership.
• Job Connectivity – Paid job placements for youth who complete the program, creating real pathways to economic independence.

FYED exists to ensure that programs like Teen Court, Student Court, and Youth Services never face financial barriers to success. As we look ahead, our goal is to expand our reach to more than 5,000 students in the coming year.

Your Give Miami Day donation directly fuels the continuation and growth of these life-changing youth programs, sustaining workshops, and career-building experiences that prepare young people for productive, purposeful futures.

Together, we can keep Miami-Dade’s youth on the path to success and ensure that every young person who needs a second chance has one.

➡️ Give today. Empower tomorrow. #GiveMiamiDay #FYED #TeenCourt